Wardrobe of Mary Ruth Herriott
Maker
Eaves Costume Co.
Datelate 20th Century
MediumSilk, crepe du chine, glass beads, Rhinestones and faux pearls
Dimensions55 x 15 x 8 in. (139.7 x 38.1 x 20.3 cm)
ClassificationsCostumes
Credit LineGift of the Herriott Sisters, 2011
Object numberSN11255.1
A third generation circus performer, John Herriott is
one of the most important equestrians and elephant
trainers of the second half of the 20th century.
Herriott made his debut at age six as the back half of
a comic giraffe costume. By the age of twelve, he was
presenting an elephant act. Among the other animals
Herriott has trained over the years are llamas,
camels, and dogs, but he is best known for training
liberty horses.
With his wife, Mary Ruth, a former aerialist and
showgirl, John Herriott presented acts for almost
every major American circus on the past fifty years
including Ringling, Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. and the
Big Apple Circus.
On View
Not on view
1926–1929
